Shu's bones moved in strange shapes, and the distant fall of Tefnut's rain seemed to shift with the stark brilliance of a rainbow — no doubt a mark of heavenly action. Hotep stared for a time at the sky in awe, but did not question his arrival here. The gods had taken his spirit to new lands once before. And he had been Greatest of the Seers, in his old life. He felt only gratitude, excitement, to be called now into this vision as blooms followed the wake of divinity.

Golden eyes surveyed the many-coloured blessings. So many wonders! And yet, he knew his time here could not last forever. There was a puzzle in this. A question. Asked by the gods themselves! His mind raced with eager curiosity. What flower should he pick?

Striding through the plants, he struggled not to feel overwhelmed by their many aromas. Some were sweet, even cloying. Others sharp. Bright, or pale, dark, or vivid. They burnt his nose. Distracted his eye.

But in the end, there could be only once answer. A sacred blue lily, perfect in shape, divine in scent, more so than any he had ever seen. They brought joy, calm, even inspired visions. Purified specimens were an offering made daily to the temples in his life Before. So he would make such an offering again, here, with this blossom. All he had been given, he would return to the givers.